The local Chapter HM of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) announced last week that Samantha Troxler, their Memorial Scholar, is graduating from Western Washington University-Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of arts degree in Human Services.

Chapter HM members first met Troxler in the fall of 2014, helping her financially with her college tuition as she went on to achieve her associate of arts degree from Peninsula College.

“She is a proud and single mother to her energetic young son, and has achieved so much, while overcoming so many obstacles in her young life,” Chapter HM representatives said.

Troxler worked to maintain a 4.0 grade-point-average throughout her years at Western Washington University (2016-2018). In the spring of 2017 she successfully received an internship and position with the Sequim School District as the McKinney-Vento homeless liaison; she then was invited to be on the Washington State McKinney-Vento Advisory Committee by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

She also has secured a job with the Sequim Food Bank as the Community Engagement Coordinator, the first paid staff member outside of the Executive Director position.